Global study highlights importance of employment outcomes for international students

New research by the International Alumni Job Network (IAJN) and Nielsen of more than 5,200 international student graduates shows that while 89% are satisfied with their overall experience as international students, only 72% are satisfied with the return on investment from their international education.

IAJN rebranded to Cturtle in 2019. Cturtle international student and graduate jobs and internships in Australia, United Kingdom UK, United States USA, Canada and New Zealand.

The Global Comparison report released today explores how key study destinations; Australia, the US, UK, Canada and New Zealand, compare in terms of career outcomes and satisfaction levels of their international student graduates. The report provides a detailed look at the industries and incomes that international students work in after graduation and currently, and the satisfaction levels of students with the country of education, university of study and overall international student experience.

Employment outcomes and the career benefits of an international qualification from Australia, Canada, UK, US, New Zealand are key drivers of why international students and their families spend significant amounts of money and e?ort to study abroad.

Shane Dillon, the Founder of IAJN said, “Through my work with IAJN's network of over 120,000+ international alumni in Asia, I am aware of a growing discord amongst returning graduates that their international education wasn't the golden ticket they were promised. This report highlights how critical it is that education institutions and stakeholders support and contribute to the employment outcomes of international students to fulfill the promise that an international qualification does lead to greater employment outcomes after graduation. There is no greater benefit to a university or education country than a satisfied graduate and no greater reputational danger than an unsatisfied graduate."

The study found that overall students had a positive experience while studying as international students, and students were less satisfied with the return on their investment. Malaysian students were most satisfied with the return on investment of their education while Indian students were the most unsatisfied with return on investment.

While exploring satisfaction with Universities in each country the research found that students where highly satisfied with the Career Relevance of their education and the University Service. Students were clearly less satisfied with Alumni Serviceand Career Support from Universities, which both typically relate to the end of a student’s time at a university. When asked about expectations of alumni services, students iterated the importance of Professional Networking and Career Support.

USA and Canadian universities scored significantly higher in regards to support from the university in finding employment for international students. Students who studied in Australia scored the lowest on satisfaction with the return on investment of their education, compared to those who chose to study in Canada who were the most satisfied.

"I am of the view that educational institutions and stakeholders that serve international students have historically spent much more time and resources getting students through the door as opposed to helping them on their way out. It is hoped that this research will encourage institutions and stakeholders to move past talking points around international student outcomes and actively contribute to how international students might be better served in the future. As Asia's largest network of international student alumni and the only network of its type and scale, worldwide, IAJN is uniquely positioned to support returning students." said Shane.

The research produced a series of reports that will be published in November, 2017.

Global Report - The Global Report explores how different education destinations compare in terms of career outcomes for students and student satisfaction levels. It provides a detailed look at the industries that students work in and the incomes they earn, both straight after graduation and currently. It also provides a look at levels of satisfaction with a destination countries study and living experience, institutions, work rights and job opportunities.

Study Destination Report - The Destination Report delves into the student outcomes and satisfaction levels for a key study destination (country or region). The report looks at how different nationalities differ in terms of satisfaction for a study destination and how that destinations institutions compare against each other.

(Available for Australia, United States, United Kingdom)

Individual Group Reports - The Individual Report provide the greatest level of insight for specific alumni or groups of alumni. It will explore alumni satisfaction levels in a number of areas including; career support, study experience, alumni engagement and more. It will also look at the career outcomes of the alumni and feedback and suggestions.

(Available for Victoria, Queensland, ACT, Group of Eight, Gold Coast, New South Wales, Western Australia and 23 individual Australian university/colleges)

International student graduate employment data from the ISEOS research is available on UniAdvisor. UniAdvisor rankings and reviews of the top best universities in Australia, United Kingdom UK, United States USA, Canada and New Zealand.

To purchase a copy of the full report please email: [email protected]